I remember the days when REI was a small scrappy outdoors store for the really rough folks who cleaned and cared for their equipment after every hard-core backpacking trip so it lasted for at least... More

I remember the days when REI was a small scrappy outdoors store for the really rough folks who cleaned and cared for their equipment after every hard-core backpacking trip so it lasted for at least 15 years, and they really, really didn't care how cute they looked. Now it's a Super Mega Outdoors Store, which verges on a big boutique, but I'm not complaining. It's nice to have a co-op that sells superior clothing that ensures I'm never left out wet in the cold--and I'm going to look darn cute doing it. The Flagship store downtown not only offers a huge array of equipment in one place (and not cheap, breakable discount store equipment either), but it's an experience in itself. You can test out jackets in the "rain booth"; try out bikes on the "mountain trail", hike around in boots on the mini-mountain, and climb the huge climbing wall that looks out over Seattle through huge windows. Definitely a favorite for tourist and locals alike.
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REI is well known for their one stop shop for all your outdoor needs. But the flagship store is still by far the best. Before even coming into the store, you would walk past the outdoor bike trail... More

REI is well known for their one stop shop for all your outdoor needs. But the flagship store is still by far the best. Before even coming into the store, you would walk past the outdoor bike trail where you can road test your gear prior to purchase. This store has a waterfall, an outdoor climbing wall, a hiking terrains up by the shoes and now they just completed the kids play area! What fun. There is a tree house now in the second level and a slide which I've taken down. You really pick-up speed going down! It's just fun going to REI, it is an experience. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful. They have an excellent return policy. When you order from www.rei-outlet.com and choose in-store pick-up, you avoid the shipping (fee).
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I have been an REI member for years now and can still remember fondly the bargain basement at the old Capitol Hill store but bargains are few and far between these days. My main objection to REI is... More

I have been an REI member for years now and can still remember fondly the bargain basement at the old Capitol Hill store but bargains are few and far between these days. My main objection to REI is how overpriced it seems most items are. Even with the 1% to 10% you get back at the end of the year it is still so much more expensive then other smaller local stores. I will give them props on the knowledge base on some things but in overall I have been a little let down. I will definitely say that if you can't find something elsewhere more then likely they will have it but you'll pay. Honestly every year i cash out my REI refund and spend the cash on gear up the street where i can get a little more for my money.
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This is the flagship store in downtown Seattle. I could spend hours and hours here. They have everything you need - for anything you might need to do outdoors. Like a previous reviewer, I always... More

This is the flagship store in downtown Seattle. I could spend hours and hours here. They have everything you need - for anything you might need to do outdoors. Like a previous reviewer, I always leave here ready to go hiking, biking, sky-diving - whatever! Someday I'm going to try the famous rock wall in the entrance, but for now I'm content to watch and be amazed. Definitely check out the twice yearly garage sales!
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Too bad REI isn't a singles club...everyone is so hot! They have great sales people who are helpful and easy going. If you're a member, there's an unbeatable return policy. Twice a year there's a... More

Too bad REI isn't a singles club...everyone is so hot! They have great sales people who are helpful and easy going. If you're a member, there's an unbeatable return policy. Twice a year there's a garage sale where you can go and pick up all sorts of things that have been returned for CHEAP. REI has adventure tours too, which is really neat. You can rent the space upstairs for an event too. It's an awesome store and they constantly change things around which makes it more interesting. Being a member is nice because you get a dividend at the end of the year and if you buy a lot of gear (at full price) then you get some money back. It's not really worth it unless you buy a lot though. Overall, I like the one-stop shopping aspects...camping, biking, travel, climbing, skiing, all in one store.
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Well, this may seem counterintuitive but three pieces of advice: 1. but if you are really having fit problems and so forth, then the REI is a good place to go. They carry just about everything... More

Well, this may seem counterintuitive but three pieces of advice: 1. but if you are really having fit problems and so forth, then the REI is a good place to go. They carry just about everything and really care. They have a compete set of orthodics and things as well. 2. There is a great guy at the Pro Club who fits folks with really hard problems with feet. I can get the guys name. 3. If you have general good feet and like the brand you use, then shoebuy.com is a great place. This is online. the great secret of running shoes is that although the models change every 10 minutes, the basic sizing and so called Last (the shape of the shoe doesn't). So if you find a shoe type that you like you can stick with it. For me, the Asics has been that brand. You can look in running magazine (or their site) for some samples. Good luck!
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Every time I set foot into this store I want to go climb a mountain, hike a trail, sky down a big slope, or take up golf! I just LOVE this store. Its a little on the expensive side but its an... More

Every time I set foot into this store I want to go climb a mountain, hike a trail, sky down a big slope, or take up golf! I just LOVE this store. Its a little on the expensive side but its an adventure just to go in and browse. The store is beautiful in its architecture and I love the woodsy feel of it. I bought a packpak there for a trip to Mexico and it was on sale for 1/2 off. When they have sales and you are in need of equipment take a trip down to check it out. Its worth it!
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It is truly one stop shopping for just about anything. What a terrific recruiting tool to take someone thinking about moving to Seattle to the flagship store. It has simply everything that you can... More

It is truly one stop shopping for just about anything. What a terrific recruiting tool to take someone thinking about moving to Seattle to the flagship store. It has simply everything that you can think of and the staff is terrific. (Of course I may be biased since our older son was photographed in the National Geographic piece that commenmorated the stores opening --) There are two awesome times to shop there and they are their various summer and winter sales. I've loaded up on all kinds of high quality half price stuff. Their own label btw is oftentimes just as good as the expensive stuff. Final point is that while this store has lots of technical gear, if you are thinking of traveling anywhere it is the place to go. An amazing selection of pants and fashionable but washable clothes is upstairs.
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REI can be expensive but if you become a member and are an outdoors person shopping here can be worthwhile. Membership allows you to receive dividends every year on the past years purchases. ... More

REI can be expensive but if you become a member and are an outdoors person shopping here can be worthwhile. Membership allows you to receive dividends every year on the past years purchases. Members are also invited to big member only sales every year which are usually very good. Customer service used to be pretty good but seems to have slipped recently with customer service reps who seem to have taken a permanent vacation. On the other hand no other local store that I know of (except Nordstrom) takes such good care of their customers for exchanges,returns,etc. I definitely would stop by REI or its website for almost any outdoor sports/backpacking/camping related purchase.
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Here in Seattle we are fortunate to have access to every imaginable type of outdoor activity. We're even more fortunate to have REI to sell us top quality, reasonably priced equipment for all of... More

Here in Seattle we are fortunate to have access to every imaginable type of outdoor activity. We're even more fortunate to have REI to sell us top quality, reasonably priced equipment for all of these activities. At times I have paid a bit more for something from REI but I have never been disappointed with anything I've bought there. Even their own brands are fantastic. The sales help is also generally very friendly and knowledgeable. They really participate in these sports so they know their stuff!
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